Starfield: essential things to buy and keep

Starfield is an expansive universe full of exploration, resource gathering, and upgrading. While the thrill of loot drops and random encounters is exciting, there are a few key items in the game that you should actively seek out and keep on hand to enhance your journey. Here’s a guide to the essential things you should buy and keep in Starfield, so you can make the most of your adventures in space.

1. Upgrade to a Larger Ship Early On

Your default ship in Starfield is a great starter vessel, but it’s limited in size and cargo capacity. If you want to fully experience the game, upgrading your ship should be a top priority. The smaller, basic ship is only capable of carrying two people and offers little cargo space. To truly benefit from exploration and carry more loot, invest in a larger, more resilient ship.

Tip: As you level up your piloting skills, prioritize buying a ship like the Marathon, which offers significant upgrades in both durability and cargo capacity. Once your budget allows, you can expand your ship's crew and add other upgrades, but the Marathon should be your first big purchase to get you off to the right start. If you want to go further with customization, you can always dive into ship modifications later with the Starship Design skill—though be cautious about sinking too many points into this if you’re content with the basics.

2. Always Buy Digipicks and Med Packs

You’ll find yourself in need of both Digipicks and Med Packs frequently during your travels across Starfield. These two items are essential for survival and progress. Med Packs are crucial for healing when you’re injured from combat or other hazards, while Digipicks are vital for breaking into locked areas to access valuable loot and secrets.

Tip: Make it a habit to purchase both items from every vendor you encounter. Stocking up on these will save you time and energy, and you won’t have to worry about running low when you need them most.

3. Buy Wine for Persuasion Boosts

Wine might seem like a minor luxury, but it has a surprisingly useful effect in Starfield. When consumed, it provides a percentage boost to your persuasion skills, which can help you out in key conversations and negotiation scenarios.

Tip: Whenever you find wine for sale, pick up a bottle or two. The added boost to persuasion can help you get through tough dialogue options more easily, whether you're trying to smooth-talk an NPC, convince someone to join your crew, or get a better deal on items.

4. Purchase a Suit for Charisma and Charm

A good suit goes a long way in Starfield—not just for style, but for functionality. Having the right suit on your character can give you a charisma boost, making you more persuasive and potentially unlocking new dialogue choices.

Tip: One of the best suits can be found on Neon, which will turn you into a walking charmer, improving your interactions with others and helping you gain favor with NPCs. Investing in this kind of gear early will give you an edge in the game, especially in social interactions.

5. Stock Up on Resources for Research and Mods

As you progress through Starfield, you’ll be constantly needing resources for crafting, mods, and outpost construction. While scavenging can provide some of these materials, you’ll often find it more efficient to purchase them directly from vendors.

Tip: Pay attention to resources like Aluminum, which are commonly required for various upgrades, and ensure you buy enough to support your research and modding needs. Many stores across the galaxy stock these materials, and keeping a healthy supply can save you from the time-consuming task of gathering them yourself.

Final Thoughts

While Starfield offers plenty of opportunities for loot hunting and resource gathering, there are certain items you shouldn’t overlook. From upgrading your ship to stocking up on essential consumables like Digipicks and Med Packs, and even picking up some wine for an extra persuasion boost, knowing what to buy and keep can significantly improve your experience. Stay ahead of the game by purchasing these key items from vendors, and your journey through the stars will be much more efficient, enjoyable, and rewarding.